Here are my training statistics to date. I officially started my Ironman training in September but really most of the swimming and running and all of the biking have been since November:
Swimming: 152,900 metres
Biking: 2775 km - most of this has been on the trainer at spin classes - some good, hard riding
Running: 682 km
I don't know if this is a lot or not and I guess it kind of depends on the person. I feel pretty good about what I've done. The heavy mileage is coming in the next 6 weeks. Weeeeee!
Monday, April 30, 2012
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Time Gone By
It has been a very long time since I wrote about my training. I have been overwhelmingly busy with work. This term, I taught three courses, two of them new for me, so I have been pretty busy keeping the courses going and managing 320 students. The term was officially over for me last Wednesday, when I submitted the final grades and it's been very nice to have a couple days to think about something other than lecture prep.
So, to try to recap what the last several weeks have held:
February and March were quite good months as far as the training went. I did all of my workouts, missing only a couple of swims in those two months. I could feel myself getting stronger and fitter. Although work and training were pretty much my life, I actually felt happy and balanced and very motivated. I especially enjoyed the spin season with my triathlon club. We did three good, hard workouts a week and it was so satisfying to accomplish them. I really like the group of people who attended the spins. My job, as part of the board of the club, was to coordinate and manage the spins so I got to know everyone who was there and feel like I was part of something really good.
April, though, was a hard month. Suddenly, it seemed, my workload caught up to me and I was working very long hours trying to get the last of the term's work finished up - creating the last few lectures, preparing for the final exams, meeting with panicked students, etc. Somehow I still managed to fit my workouts in, although sometimes I had to defer them to another day. Our spin season ended on April 22 but the weather hasn't been that nice since then so outdoor workouts have been a little miserable. I have found myself in a gloomy place this last week - so tired, depressed by the weather and getting a little more stressed about my looming race.
Today I went on a long group ride with a few members of the tri club. It was actually a lovely day and I was feeling strong but I rode with a few people who are quite a bit faster than me. I am faster than I was last year but rather than feeling good about that, the ride today just made me feel a bit lame. I also get the feeling that my coaches are a little unhappy with me for messing with my schedule. I know how hard I've worked to accomplish everything these past couple of months - to do my job well and to do my workouts faithfully - and yet I am left feeling like I didn't do enough and I am not where I should be.
Now, with only eight weeks to go until the race, I would like to be feeling positive and strong and more and more ready. Maybe this is just how it is. I know there are highs and lows and this will probably turn itself around in the next little while. There is not much I can do but carry on, keep training, focus on what works for me, and take one day at a time. I am also going to focus on accepting myself for what I am and where I'm at. I have time until the race and I'll keep plugging on toward the goal.
So, to try to recap what the last several weeks have held:
February and March were quite good months as far as the training went. I did all of my workouts, missing only a couple of swims in those two months. I could feel myself getting stronger and fitter. Although work and training were pretty much my life, I actually felt happy and balanced and very motivated. I especially enjoyed the spin season with my triathlon club. We did three good, hard workouts a week and it was so satisfying to accomplish them. I really like the group of people who attended the spins. My job, as part of the board of the club, was to coordinate and manage the spins so I got to know everyone who was there and feel like I was part of something really good.
April, though, was a hard month. Suddenly, it seemed, my workload caught up to me and I was working very long hours trying to get the last of the term's work finished up - creating the last few lectures, preparing for the final exams, meeting with panicked students, etc. Somehow I still managed to fit my workouts in, although sometimes I had to defer them to another day. Our spin season ended on April 22 but the weather hasn't been that nice since then so outdoor workouts have been a little miserable. I have found myself in a gloomy place this last week - so tired, depressed by the weather and getting a little more stressed about my looming race.
Today I went on a long group ride with a few members of the tri club. It was actually a lovely day and I was feeling strong but I rode with a few people who are quite a bit faster than me. I am faster than I was last year but rather than feeling good about that, the ride today just made me feel a bit lame. I also get the feeling that my coaches are a little unhappy with me for messing with my schedule. I know how hard I've worked to accomplish everything these past couple of months - to do my job well and to do my workouts faithfully - and yet I am left feeling like I didn't do enough and I am not where I should be.
Now, with only eight weeks to go until the race, I would like to be feeling positive and strong and more and more ready. Maybe this is just how it is. I know there are highs and lows and this will probably turn itself around in the next little while. There is not much I can do but carry on, keep training, focus on what works for me, and take one day at a time. I am also going to focus on accepting myself for what I am and where I'm at. I have time until the race and I'll keep plugging on toward the goal.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Sheer Bliss
Yesterday was the usual brutal Wednesday evening spin workout but it was very unusual in the most amazing way.
At about the middle of the session, we were riding along at a time trial effort, just like out on the road. I got my legs going at a good hard pace and settled into my aerobars. I was feeling pretty good. Then I started to feel even better. I closed my eyes. I felt like I was alone in the room. I felt one with my bike. The music drew me in. I just rode like that. It was blissful, magical, transcendent, almost spiritual. I was way beyond "the zone." It was the most amazing experience. I've never felt like that before. I didn't want it to end. It was so perfect.
I am amazed at how wonderful it can feel to train.
At about the middle of the session, we were riding along at a time trial effort, just like out on the road. I got my legs going at a good hard pace and settled into my aerobars. I was feeling pretty good. Then I started to feel even better. I closed my eyes. I felt like I was alone in the room. I felt one with my bike. The music drew me in. I just rode like that. It was blissful, magical, transcendent, almost spiritual. I was way beyond "the zone." It was the most amazing experience. I've never felt like that before. I didn't want it to end. It was so perfect.
I am amazed at how wonderful it can feel to train.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
I Feel Great!
Last Wednesday, I had a little bit of a crash. I was exhausted and needed a break. But even the next day, I felt much better and by the weekend, I was myself again. Now, I'm feeling great!
I met with my coaches on Sunday, just to check in and talk about upcoming weeks in the plan. My main coach, who is giving me all of my workouts, had not seen me since we first met each other at the end of November. Since then, I have lost 20 pounds, changed jobs, and become stronger. When I walked into the coffee shop, she said, "Oh wow - that's it - I'm doing another Ironman! Look how good you look! This is really working for you!" My other coach told me that I looked so much happier and relaxed. It struck me at that moment that things have really come together for me and that I am feeling better than ever.
Yesterday was a great day. I woke up in the morning excited about the day, even though it was just an ordinary Monday. I taught my classes and they went well. Then I went to spin. This was an extra spin workout for me but I wanted to do it because the club has added Monday spin sessions now and I didn't want to miss out! It was a hard workout and I enjoyed it so much. I felt strong and happy - like I was in just the right place. I told the spin instructor afterward and he said he could tell I was working hard and getting stronger and that it seemed like things had clicked for me.
After an awkward start to my training, after four months in a job that was not right for me, after the disruption of Christmas and the cruise, and despite a lot of stress in my teaching position now - it's great work but there's a lot of it! - I am feeling like I've turned a corner in my training. Running feels good now, after a few months of slogging. Spinning is awesome and I can take whatever those mean instructors dish out. Swimming is starting to feel better, too. I am doing more distance and working on speed; the workouts are enjoyable and seem to be having an effect.
My attitude is different, too. I am more confident, more positive, more willing to take on this kind of hard physical challenge. I have been inspired and supported by some amazing athletes in my club and I am so motivated to do this.
I know that every day won't feel like this - the good times and bad times come together - but it sure is nice to have a moment where I can enjoy the changes and progress that I'm seeing.
I met with my coaches on Sunday, just to check in and talk about upcoming weeks in the plan. My main coach, who is giving me all of my workouts, had not seen me since we first met each other at the end of November. Since then, I have lost 20 pounds, changed jobs, and become stronger. When I walked into the coffee shop, she said, "Oh wow - that's it - I'm doing another Ironman! Look how good you look! This is really working for you!" My other coach told me that I looked so much happier and relaxed. It struck me at that moment that things have really come together for me and that I am feeling better than ever.
Yesterday was a great day. I woke up in the morning excited about the day, even though it was just an ordinary Monday. I taught my classes and they went well. Then I went to spin. This was an extra spin workout for me but I wanted to do it because the club has added Monday spin sessions now and I didn't want to miss out! It was a hard workout and I enjoyed it so much. I felt strong and happy - like I was in just the right place. I told the spin instructor afterward and he said he could tell I was working hard and getting stronger and that it seemed like things had clicked for me.
After an awkward start to my training, after four months in a job that was not right for me, after the disruption of Christmas and the cruise, and despite a lot of stress in my teaching position now - it's great work but there's a lot of it! - I am feeling like I've turned a corner in my training. Running feels good now, after a few months of slogging. Spinning is awesome and I can take whatever those mean instructors dish out. Swimming is starting to feel better, too. I am doing more distance and working on speed; the workouts are enjoyable and seem to be having an effect.
My attitude is different, too. I am more confident, more positive, more willing to take on this kind of hard physical challenge. I have been inspired and supported by some amazing athletes in my club and I am so motivated to do this.
I know that every day won't feel like this - the good times and bad times come together - but it sure is nice to have a moment where I can enjoy the changes and progress that I'm seeing.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Sudden Halt!
Two days ago, I told my husband that I was feeling a little tired but that I intended to keep going as long as I could keep going. Well, today is when it all came to a halt.
My recent workouts have been good. I've really enjoyed them and I've felt strong and fast (for me - it's all relative). Things have been good. I am very happy with how my training is going.
However, last night I barely slept, despite my fatigue. When my alarm clock rang at 5:15 to wake me for my swim, I lay there, thinking about whether I could even move my arms around in the water; I just couldn't imagine doing it. I felt horribly guilty but I turned off my clock and rolled over. Sadly, I didn't even fall asleep but I couldn't have moved if I tried. I cancelled one of the three classes I have to teach today - the one I could afford to get one class behind in - and I plan to go home and sleep instead. Tonight, I should be going to spin class but I can hardly bear the thought of the usual Wednesday night brutal spin workout. If I miss the spin it also means that I have to find someone to cover for me since I am the coordinator of our club's spin season. This compounds my guilt.
I guess I've been wondering how long I could manage the pace of things without it taking its toll. My teaching load is very heavy and my training is increasing and I think it has caught up with me a little. I know I'll be OK if I am kind to myself today. I don't think this means anything monumental. I am just tired. I am still committed to my goal and my training but today is most definitely going to be a day off.
My recent workouts have been good. I've really enjoyed them and I've felt strong and fast (for me - it's all relative). Things have been good. I am very happy with how my training is going.
However, last night I barely slept, despite my fatigue. When my alarm clock rang at 5:15 to wake me for my swim, I lay there, thinking about whether I could even move my arms around in the water; I just couldn't imagine doing it. I felt horribly guilty but I turned off my clock and rolled over. Sadly, I didn't even fall asleep but I couldn't have moved if I tried. I cancelled one of the three classes I have to teach today - the one I could afford to get one class behind in - and I plan to go home and sleep instead. Tonight, I should be going to spin class but I can hardly bear the thought of the usual Wednesday night brutal spin workout. If I miss the spin it also means that I have to find someone to cover for me since I am the coordinator of our club's spin season. This compounds my guilt.
I guess I've been wondering how long I could manage the pace of things without it taking its toll. My teaching load is very heavy and my training is increasing and I think it has caught up with me a little. I know I'll be OK if I am kind to myself today. I don't think this means anything monumental. I am just tired. I am still committed to my goal and my training but today is most definitely going to be a day off.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Halfway
It has now been five months since I started my formal training program for Ironman and I have five more months to go until the race.
My training encountered a few bumps along the way in the first few months but things have been much better since December, when I started working with my "gurus."
I keep a log of my workouts and a running total of what I've done. Here are my totals for the last five months:
Swimming 73,300 metres
Cycling 1275 kilometres
Running 377 kilometres
Weights 43 workouts (each about 45 minutes long)
In the first 3 months of my training, I had almost no cycling in my schedule and swimming was mainly technical instruction rather than distance. Now there is a better balance among the three sports. In the second half of my training program, I will be building even more and I will do much more than these distances in the next five months.
I do get tired sometimes but it's not all because of the training. My working life has been stressful and it's the dead of winter, which, at least for me, is not a high energy period. I am taking care of myself and carrying on.
I feel that things are going well and I am starting to have more confidence that I can do the race. I struggle with confidence so it's nice to feel a glimmer of hope every now and again.
To top it all off, I have lost 18 pounds since I started training and that feels awesome!
My training encountered a few bumps along the way in the first few months but things have been much better since December, when I started working with my "gurus."
I keep a log of my workouts and a running total of what I've done. Here are my totals for the last five months:
Swimming 73,300 metres
Cycling 1275 kilometres
Running 377 kilometres
Weights 43 workouts (each about 45 minutes long)
In the first 3 months of my training, I had almost no cycling in my schedule and swimming was mainly technical instruction rather than distance. Now there is a better balance among the three sports. In the second half of my training program, I will be building even more and I will do much more than these distances in the next five months.
I do get tired sometimes but it's not all because of the training. My working life has been stressful and it's the dead of winter, which, at least for me, is not a high energy period. I am taking care of myself and carrying on.
I feel that things are going well and I am starting to have more confidence that I can do the race. I struggle with confidence so it's nice to feel a glimmer of hope every now and again.
To top it all off, I have lost 18 pounds since I started training and that feels awesome!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Holiday Survival
Christmas can be hard on diets and exercise routines but I am very happy with how things went for me this year. I went into the Christmas season with very high motivation to focus on a good diet and keep my training going. I was faithful with my workouts and I even lost a couple of pounds. On Dec 31, I went to spin class and then quickly rushed home so we could head off to the airport. We went with my dad and his wife on a week long cruise in the Caribbean. We saw Honduras, Belize, and Mexico. The Caribbean is lovely, of course, and the ocean is warm and clean and wonderful. I swam in the ocean in Cozumel and could easily imagine myself doing an Ironman there someday...But I am definitely getting ahead of myself with that thought!
Of course there is food everywhere on a cruise but I ate very carefully and I also worked out every day. The fitness centre on the ship was excellent. I did a couple of spin classes and used the treadmill a few times. Try running on a treadmill on a ship that is rocking in rough seas! Now that's a challenge! One second you feel like you're running up a huge hill, the next second you are slammed into the front of the treadmill. Put that together with constant side to side motion. It's definitely a skill to be learned and perfected. I am happy to report that I did not gain any weight on the trip and I managed to keep my training at a respectable level while we were away. I even swam 100 lengths of the very freezing cold 10 metre pool at our Florida hotel, just to get a little swim in.
I am happy to be home and back into the routine of training and teaching, although the weather here is not quite as nice as it was down there!
Of course there is food everywhere on a cruise but I ate very carefully and I also worked out every day. The fitness centre on the ship was excellent. I did a couple of spin classes and used the treadmill a few times. Try running on a treadmill on a ship that is rocking in rough seas! Now that's a challenge! One second you feel like you're running up a huge hill, the next second you are slammed into the front of the treadmill. Put that together with constant side to side motion. It's definitely a skill to be learned and perfected. I am happy to report that I did not gain any weight on the trip and I managed to keep my training at a respectable level while we were away. I even swam 100 lengths of the very freezing cold 10 metre pool at our Florida hotel, just to get a little swim in.
I am happy to be home and back into the routine of training and teaching, although the weather here is not quite as nice as it was down there!
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